The Lieutenant Rowan Mindset
In 1898, the Spanish–American War began in the aftermath of the internal explosion of USS Maine in Havana Harbor in Cuba. This led to United States intervention in the Cuban War of Independence.
Just before the war started, President McKinley desperately needed to communicate with General Garcia, the leader of the Cuban insurgency.
The challenge was daunting: Nobody knew where to find General Garcia in Cuba!
One of McKinley's advisors believed in the capabilities of a young man, First Lieutenant Andrew S. Rowan…who was promptly summoned and tasked with the critical mission of finding General Garcia.
Once given his orders, Rowan enthusiastically accepted the responsibility, saluted the President, and set off for Cuba to accomplish his mission.
Within three weeks, he triumphantly returned to the White House, reporting, "Sir, your message has been delivered."
This story is from ‘A Message to Garcia,’ a widely distributed essay, with millions of copies sold. It was written by Elbert Hubbard in 1899.
This popular story is about the value of individual initiative, resilience, grit and conscientiousness in one's work.
Traits that you would want in an employee and business partner.
One of my business partners has been sharing this story with advisors for decades.
The essay contrasts Rowan's self-driven determination and effort against…to quote the essay… "the imbecility of the average man—the inability or unwillingness to concentrate on a thing and do it".
Does this sound like how the youth of today are described?
How about the average worker?
Of course it does.
But it was written 125 years ago which should serve as evidence that this dynamic in the workforce has always existed.
In considering the implications of this story for hiring individuals today, it is evident that these principles are timeless yet need thoughtful application.
But…should a ‘Lieutenant Rowan Mindset’ filter be applied to everyone on your team or in your organization?
I have just reached the age where I now have business partners younger than I am and employees who aged young enough to be my children.
My personal privilege has been having a Father, Grandfathers and mentors who instilled the ‘Lieutenant Rowan Mindset’ in me.
I was taught and shown by example that it is imperative to outwork everyone and always try to ‘deliver the message to Garcia.’
My grandfather, Paul Joyce, was a tough WWII Bomber Pilot. He told me at the beginning of my career: “If you are known as someone who can’t be out worked, you will always have a job.
That was ingrained in me from a young age.
But, was that the right guidance?
Young employees entering the workforce often exhibit enthusiasm, but may lack the experience and guidance that is needed to have the ‘Lieutenant Rowan Mindset.’
More specifically, they may not have had the mentorship to develop the mindset.
There are people on your team and in your organization that just have not had the right mentorship to unlock the power of this mindset!
By encouraging them to take initiative and by guiding them in the nuances of navigating workplace challenges you are encouraging them to build the skills necessary to succeed in their career and life.
Some people just need the right mentor.
Here is a framework for thinking about your team and business partners.
Do they have the ‘Lieutenant Rowan Mindset?’
Do they have the capability and desire to develop the ‘Lieutenant Rowan Mindset’ and they just need to be nourished?
Do they not have the ‘Lieutenant Rowan Mindset’ and show no signs of wanting to develop it?
It is ok to not have the ‘Lieutenant Rowan Mindset’ It is just important that you both understand the limitations they will have and find the right role for them.
I hope you enjoyed this Saturday Note!
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